Three cars,car X,car Y,and car Z,begin accelerating from rest at the same time.Car X is more massive than car Y,which is more massive than car Z.The net accelerating force exerted on each car is identical.After 10 seconds,which car has the most amount of momentum?
A)They all have the same amount of momentum.
B)Car X
C)Car Y
D)Car Z

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. Since all three cars start from rest and are subjected to the same net accelerating force, they will all gain the same amount of momentum over the 10 seconds, regardless of their mass differences. This is because the acceleration (a result of the net force, as per Newton's second law, F=ma) will be inversely proportional to their masses, leading to a situation where the lighter cars accelerate more but have less mass, and the heavier cars accelerate less but have more mass, resulting in the same momentum for all.

Three Cars,car X,car Y,and Car Z,begin Accelerating from Rest at the Same